Family Lifestyle

Have the Best Solar Eclipse Road Trip with these Tips

August 20, 2017

This post contains affiliate links, all opinions are mine.

 

The big day is almost here! The countdown to the total solar eclipse has begun! All across the country; people are planning and preparing for this extraordinary cosmic experience! Lasting approximately 2 ½ minutes, there is nothing that compares to a total eclipse. No matter what you think you know, or what you are expecting, when that moment comes -it’s going to have a profound impact, especially for kids. This is one to check off the bucket list, for sure!

Total Eclipse

The Earth, moon & sun line up perfectly every one-three years, briefly turning day into night for a fraction of the planet. This eclipse is different. It’ll be the first eclipse (since the invention of social media), to pass through heavily populated areas, making it visible to many!  

Tons of folks here in Northern California, are driving up to Oregon for a better view of the big event. If you’re making plans to participate in this landmark occasion, and road tripping your way to a totality hotspot, make it a memorable one by checking out these fun tips:

Scrap the mood music and go for a moon playlist instead. Instead of the same ole, same ole -put together a playlist that includes music centered on the moon and stars. Fun and quirky, kick start this road trip the right way. Here’s a few on my list for eclipse day! (Use my links to download!)

• Counting Stars by OneRepublic
• Drops of Jupiter by Train
• Rocket Man by Elton John

You know I can’t leave out Prince right? 

*Baby, I’m A Star by Prince!

August 21st is the dead heat of summer, so don’t forget the cooler! Trust me, you’ll WANT water. Many places along the path of totality aren’t accustomed to this many people and you’ll likely be stuck in traffic for hours while waiting in long lines for food, drinks and restrooms. Keep your drinks cold longer by freezing a few bottles before you head out. Add to the fun by packing snacks perfect for the event; star fruit and moon pies, to name a few.

Join the convo online and download the app. Eclipse-goers can feel like professionals with interactive maps, shadow tracking, simulators and live streams. You have many options to choose from, but be sure to snag one that has a countdown timer and most importantly will have you looking at the sky at exactly the right time and place. You didn’t come all this way to miss the moment!

Plan carefully and allow yourself plenty of time. Traffic will be a nightmare, many places will have standstill crowds and it’s going to be scorching hot outside; knowing that, come prepared with supplies and patience. Bring sunglasses for the long drive and eclipse viewers for watching the sun throughout the day. Pack plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen and you should be good to go. 

 It’s been four decades since a total eclipse has been visible from the contiguous 48 states. Whatever you do, witness this spectacular event with someone you love. It’s a celestial treat and a rare opportunity for creating a true memory that will last a lifetime; don’t go it alone, share it with someone special. You never know, you might just experience a … Total Eclipse of the Heart!

What song is on YOUR total eclipse playlist?!

 

*The Dunkin Donuts glasses in the featured photo are NOT eclipse glasses, I just couldn’t resist the cuteness! 

 

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